The Biography

Elizabeth Maud Edwards (16 October 1906 – 24 March 1991), professionally known as Maudie Edwards, was a Welsh actress, radio broadcaster, comedian, dancer and singer. She started her career in theatres in Swansea and moved on to films even appearing alongside Frank Sinatra at the London Palladium. She is best remembered for having spoken the first line of dialogue in the British soap opera, Coronation Street, and playing Elsie Lappin, the first-ever owner of the corner shop in the first two episodes. Those first words were "Now the next thing you've got to do is get a signwriter in".